The Criminal Investigation of Animal Abuse

Criminal justice involving a crime against an animal should literally mean that each and every animal is significant and is worth the time, energy, and investment of a thorough investigation. This is true whether or not the case involves one animal, a dozen animals, or hundreds of animals.Image courtesy Animal Legal Defense Fund.Most allegations of cruelty or neglect involve a companion animal or animals on a relatively small scale – one, two, or maybe a handful. Some cases, however, are an organizational nightmare due to the volume of animals and substantial amount of evidence.

A progressive society cannot lose sight of the fact that victim animals often do not have a spokesperson for their suffering. Each investigation into allegations of harm against an animal should have an eye toward justice for each animal and for the community. The handling of each animal cruelty case is a reflection of how that community views public safety, human welfare, and animal welfare.

There is a trend on the part of law enforcement to recognize the fact that police, sheriffs, animal control officers, and prosecutors need to seek and allocate resources for the investigation and prosecution of crimes against animals. They are beginning to see that this is a prudent investment with great future benefits. Treating animal cruelty cases seriously can have a dramatic effect on crime prevention, and can often serve to break the cycle of domestic violence.

The more serious crimes against animals (such as those involving torture, mutilation, bondage, sexual assault, and horrific deaths) distinguish themselves and cry out for an aggressive and thorough investigation and often get the attention they deserve. However, the majority of crimes involving animals don’t get the recognition, time, or energy that is warranted. They are under-reported, under-investigated, and under-prosecuted.

Each animal matters … each species matters, each breed matters, each age matters, each gender matters, and each circumstance matters. It shouldn’t matter if the animal is domesticated or wild; in a home or in a pet store; or on a ranch or in a sanctuary. Similarly, the characteristics or background of the human suspected of the abuse or neglect should not matter—rich or poor; urban or rural; young or old; etc. The days of “boys will be boys” and “it’s just an animal” are over—or are hopefully coming to an end.

One of the simplest measures of whether or not an animal is being victimized is by reviewing the “Five Freedoms:”

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst—by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.

Freedom from Discomfort—by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease—by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Freedom to Express Normal Behavior—by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.

Freedom from Fear and Distress—by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

Although the Five Freedoms were designed for the welfare and treatment of farmed animals, the concepts apply to all animals. Knowledge of these basic welfare standards is a valuable tool for anyone engaged in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty, animal neglect, animal hoarding, and animal fighting. It is also helpful for veterinary professionals as is evidenced by the fact that these principles were embraced by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians in their 2010 Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. In that booklet, the authors said: “There is ample evidence that the Five Freedoms are broadly accepted as guidelines for welfare of all animals.” The entire booklet can be downloaded here.

In conclusion, each and every animal matters in a criminal investigation of animal abuse. I’m proud to be a part of the ALDF Criminal Justice Program where I can make a difference for animals and humans that have been victimized.

1 Comment

Our own human legal system claims to take seriously allegations against each and every human regardless of gender, age, or race and crimes against animals should be treated the same regardless of the type of animal or how many are involved.

Unfortunately, animals are viewed as something less than humans. I think that progress is being made because people like you and groups like the ALDF – legal groups – are making sure they make a difference.

I can’t thank you enough.

That’s exactly what the animals need – strong influence that makes a difference in practice. The movement needs lawyers, politicians, and those who would donate time and money.

The lawyers and the politicians have the real power. Laws need to change to improve the plight of the defenseless and voiceless animal.

Abuse, deforestation, and pollution need to be affected.

I just read an article on this blog recently about a group called Rescue Ink. I think that group makes a difference as well and I’m glad they do what they do.

I like the Five Freedoms. That’s a great framework to work from.

Thank you for giving this topic some needed publicity and thank you for making a real difference in the animal abuse laws.